Here’s Why You Need To Make Japan Your Next Big Escape
Japan isn’t just trending—it’s defining how we travel right now.
It’s a country where centuries-old temples sit minutes from futuristic digital art museums. Where you can have Michelin-starred ramen for lunch, soak in a mountain onsen by afternoon and be three cities away by dinner thanks to a bullet train that runs to the second.
With a favourable exchange rate, seamless public transport, unmatched food culture and a hospitality standard that borders on obsessive, Japan rewards both first-timers and seasoned return visitors. It’s high-energy and deeply calming. Precise yet wildly creative. Familiar in parts and completely otherworldly in others.
From neon Tokyo to timeless Kyoto, food-obsessed Osaka to reflective Hiroshima—plus a snow-dusted Nagano detour—here’s how to do Japan properly.
The Best Things To Do In Tokyo
Explore Ghibli Park
One of the biggest destination magnets of Japan is no other than Ghibli Park. Studio Ghibli needs no introduction, the animation studio hails as one of the most acclaimed in the world and has gifted us with anime goodness such as Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Monokoke, Ponyo, Howl's Moving Castle and a whole heap more. Not to be confused with Ghibli Museum (located in Mitaka, Tokyo and featuring exhibits and displays showcasing the art, animation and creative process behind Studio Ghibli's films), Ghibli Park is a new venture heavily anchored in creating outdoor spaces that mimic a bunch of Ghibli-esque worlds with an emphasis on nature and environmental sustainability.
For the last few years, Ghibli Park has long been hailed as an extravagent theme park that should be on front and centre of any travellers bucket list. However, you won't find big attractions or adrenalin-enducing rides here. Instead, you can expect to spaces like 'Ghibli's Grand Warehouse', a display of all things Ghibli with a dedicated screening room, exhibitions, shops and a cafe. There's also the 'Hill Of Youth', an outdoor oasis boasting The Rotary (a roundabout like the one int he town square from Whisper Of The Heart), Th Cate Bureau (a cat-sized single-story wooden building from The Cat Returns) and even the World Emporium (an antique repair and resale shop that Shizuku Tsukishima stumbles upon in Whisper Of The Heart stocked with antique furniture, cuckoo clocks, dolls, wooden horses and more).If being transported into the world of My Neighbour Totoro is hot on your list, you'll want to make sure you swing by Dondoko Forest.
Slurp Up Some Ramen
In Tokyo, ramen isn’t comfort food—it’s a craft perfected over decades.
At Nakiryu , you’ll find a Michelin-starred bowl of tantanmen layered with sesame, chilli oil and melt-in-your-mouth pork chashu. The queues are long but move efficiently (this is Japan, after all). Near Shibuya Station, Kiraku has been serving hand-pulled noodles for over 70 years, while modern favourite Ushio offers inventive variations like soy-smoked duck ramen.
Many shops use vending machines for ordering—don’t panic. Pick your bowl, hand over your ticket, and prepare for something deeply satisfying.
Wander Omoide Yokocho (Yep, Piss Alley)
Despite its old nickname, Omoide Yokocho is one of the most atmospheric corners of Tokyo.
Hidden beside Shinjuku Station, this narrow alley dates back to the post-war era and is packed with tiny yakitori bars, each seating barely a handful of people. Smoke curls into the night air, skewers sizzle over charcoal and locals squeeze shoulder-to-shoulder over cold beers and highballs.
It feels nostalgic and gritty in a city known for polish—and that contrast is exactly what makes it magic.
Have Sushi For Breakfast At Tsukiji
The famous tuna auction has moved to Toyosu, but Tsukiji Outer Market remains a pilgrimage site for food lovers.
Arrive early and wander through tight laneways lined with seafood vendors, wasabi roots, ceramic bowls and knives so sharp they look ceremonial. Then settle at a counter for a sushi breakfast—silky tuna, buttery uni and sweet scallops served minutes after being sliced.
Street Kart Through The City
For something wildly different, street karting tours let you drive through central Tokyo in a small go-kart—international driving permit required.
Most routes cruise past Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge, departing from areas like Akihabara or Shinjuku. Sunset tours are particularly electric as the city shifts from daytime buzz to full neon glow. Word is, this ends up being a highlight for most Japan visitors.
Cross Shibuya At Night
You’ve seen it on screen, but standing in the centre of Shibuya Crossing as the lights turn red is something else entirely.
Thousands of people move in every direction in a perfectly choreographed surge. Watch it first from above—cafés and rooftop viewpoints nearby give you perspective — then join the crossing yourself. It’s loud, hypnotic and quintessentially Tokyo.
The Best Things To Do In Kyoto
Visit Fushimi Inari At Sunrise
Few sights in Japan are as iconic as Fushimi Inari Taisha and its thousands of vermilion torii gates climbing into the forested hills.
Arrive at sunrise and you’ll avoid the peak crowds. The further you walk up the mountain trail, the quieter it becomes. Fox statues guard the path, gravel crunches underfoot and the city slowly wakes below you.
Spot A Geisha In Gion
Kyoto’s historic heart, Gion, deserves more than a quick stroll. Traditional wooden machiya houses line narrow stone streets, lanterns glow at dusk and tea houses quietly continue centuries-old traditions. A guided walking tour adds valuable context around geisha culture and Kyoto’s preserved architecture, but even wandering independently at golden hour feels like stepping into another era.
See The Golden Pavilion
Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion, glows against its reflective pond in a way that almost feels surreal.
Originally built as a retirement villa for a shogun, the top two floors are covered in gold leaf. After taking the iconic photo, wander through the manicured gardens, light incense for prosperity and pause at the teahouse for matcha. Kyoto rewards patience. Don’t rush this one.
Sip Your Way Through Fushimi
The Fushimi district is Kyoto’s sake heartland. At Kizakura Brewery , you can sample sparkling sake and seasonal releases, while the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum offers insight into traditional brewing techniques dating back hundreds of years. Guided tastings help demystify the different styles—dry, sweet, aromatic—and you’ll likely leave with a newfound appreciation (and possibly a bottle).
Spend The Day On Two Wheels
Kyoto’s majestic beauty is best seen on two wheels, and fortunately most hotels and Airbnbs now offer free bikes to allow you to spend the day cruising down the Kamo River at your leisure, stopping to admire the cherry blossoms and picturesque landscapes along the way. If you’re keen for some guidance, great companies like Kyoto Bike Tours have a range of areas to bike through (we love the Bamboo Forest adventure) or if you’re riding solo, we suggest you pack a picnic and book, then perch yourself on the riverbanks to watch the lovers and locals pass by.
The Best Things To Do In Osaka
Walk The Neon Streets Of Dotonbori
Dotonbori is Osaka at full volume. Giant crab signs move above restaurants, the Glico Running Man beams across the canal and street food vendors serve takoyaki straight off sizzling hot plates. Duck into arcades, grab skewers and let the sensory overload wash over you. Osaka is known as Japan’s kitchen—and this is its beating heart.
Spend The Day At Universal Studios Japan
For blockbuster fun, Universal Studios delivers. Super Nintendo World alone is worth the visit—the Mario Kart ride is immersive, high-tech and surprisingly competitive. Add The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and a lineup of thrill rides, and you’ve got a full day sorted. Express passes are strongly recommended if you value your time. And comfy shoes.
Soak In A Traditional Onsen
After pounding the pavement, an onsen reset (Japanese hot springs) is essential. With a massive spectrum of budget to luxe options, we suggest the serene Okumizuma Onsen surrounded by stunning scenic valleys; the quaint historical Amami Onsen Nanten-en designed by a renowned architect Tatsuno Kingo of the Meiji dynasty or, if you’re in for a little more of a drive outside the city, then the panoramic Osaka Sansuikan Onsen set amongst the Settsukyo Gorge is a whimsical place to let yourself melt away.
The Best Things To Do In Hiroshima
Visit The Atomic Dome And Hiroshima Peace Memorial
It’s bizarre to witness the iconic Atomic Dome perfectly retained in its destruction amongst the hustle and bustle of busy locals passing by. The Dome was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site back in the 1990s and stands tall as a reminder of the atrocities that occurred in 1945. Just further down the path, you’ll find the Peace Memorial Museum that gives a fascinating insights into the lesser known stories behind the bombings, as well displaying some overwhelming artifacts and pieces from after the explosions. A truly moving experience.
See The Paper Cranes
Throughout the park, you’ll notice thousands of colourful origami cranes—symbols of peace inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, who believed folding 1,000 cranes would grant a wish for healing. The displays are delicate yet powerful, serving as a metaphor for hope. It’s one of Hiroshima’s most moving visual moments.
Take The Ferry To Miyajima
Just offshore, Itsukushima Shrine appears to float on water at high tide. Miyajima Island is known for its iconic red torii gate, roaming deer and peaceful hiking trails. Arrive in the afternoon, explore the shrine and stay until sunset when the crowds thin and the light softens over the Seto Inland Sea.
Be Your Own Okonomiyaki Chef
For those who haven’t heard of it before, okonomiyaki is like Japan’s version of a savory pancake and unlike Osaka’s version, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is layered with cabbage, noodles, pork, egg and sweet-savory sauce built into a structured tower. Okonomi Mura which translates to ‘Okonomiyaki Village’ is this strange and fabulous three-storey food heaven with 24+ individual okonomiyaki restaurants all boasting their own specialties and secret ingredients that allow you to sit at the bar and cook for yourself at your own personal hot plate doubling as your table top.
The Best Things To Do In Nagano
Hit The Slopes
Nagano has been known to report the highest levels of daily snowfall making for some of the greatest natural slopes in the world. Happo One Resort is an extremely busy resort once used for Olympic training popular with Aussies and party-people and Hakuba 47 Ski Resort offers a quieter more family-friendly experience with a great versatility of slope difficulty. Nozawa Onsen Resort is nestled in a traditional village with a range of small bed and breakfast stays perfect for those after a more authentic Japanese ski adventure.
Apres-Ski Drinks
Whilst some of the local eateries can be wildly touristy, there are some super trendy underground bars to grab a much-needed digestif after a big day in the snow. The Nagano Club Junk Box is an edgy retro industrial space that celebrates both local and international musical talent known for its lively crowd; The Beach Bar is loved for its quirky bold cocktail list and fun nautical-themed interior or the secret speakeasy Holy Smokes offers a ridiculous fine Japanese whiskey selection that will have you sipping away in the ambiance all night.
Visit The Snow Monkeys
At Jigokudani Monkey Park, wild Japanese macaques soak in natural hot springs surrounded by snow in winter. The short(ish) forest walk to reach them only adds to the experience and this is one of the most incredible sights you can witness in Japan. It’s cold, quiet and strangely serene—a perfect contrast to Tokyo’s neon intensity.
Image credit: Renée Ardon-Coppinger, Street Kart Tours, Japan Travel, Nomadic Julien, Greg Jeaneau, Diego Lozano, Chapman Chow, Atul Vinayak
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